Aiden Markram played a composed innings, scoring an unbeaten half-century to guide South Africa to a seven-wicket victory in the third One-Day International (ODI) against Afghanistan at Sharjah Stadium on Sunday. This victory helped the Proteas avoid a series whitewash in the United Arab Emirates, following dominant displays from Afghanistan in the first two matches.
Afghanistan, missing key players Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, struggled with the bat as the Proteas bowled them out for 169 in just 34 overs. In reply, South Africa comfortably chased down the target, reaching 170/3 in 33 overs. Markram anchored the innings with a well-played 69*, while Tristan Stubbs contributed 26* in an unbroken 90-run partnership to seal the win.
The Proteas had been outplayed in the first two games, collapsing to 106 all out in the series opener and 134 in the second match while chasing 311. However, in the final ODI, Afghanistan couldn't replicate their earlier success. The only standout performer for Afghanistan was Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who fought hard with a knock of 89 from 94 balls.
Afghanistan's innings also suffered from three run-outs, though AM Ghazanfar added some fireworks with an unbeaten 31 off just 15 balls at the end. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi, young spinner Nqaba Peter, and Andile Phehlukwayo each took two wickets to restrict the Afghan side.
Markram and Stubbs' partnership came after the Proteas found themselves at 80/3, but their steady batting ensured South Africa restored some pride with the consolation win after two tough defeats in the series.